El Dorado police, fire hold ceremony remembering 9-11

Eleven years after the attacks on Sept. 11, 2001, police, fire and others gathered around the flag pole outside the El Dorado Police Department to remember those events and those who died.

They opened the ceremony with one minute of silence, followed by the ringing of the fire bell in memory of all of the emergency personnel who gave their lives.

“We want to reflect on the sacrifices made 11 years ago today,” said Police Chief Tom Boren. “Almost 3,000 people were going about their daily routines when they met a tragic end for reasons we’re still not sure of.”

He recognized the sacrifices emergency workers made following the attacks and still make today.

“I want to thank all of the fire fighters and police officers in El Dorado, as well as the EMS workers for their sacrifice and thank their families for their sacrifice every day when they leave and they don’t know if they are coming back,” Boren said.

He read a quote from the Spartans 4,000 years ago: “This is my shield. I bear it before me in battle, but it is not my own.  It protects my brother on my left, it protects my city.  I will never let my brother out of its shadow, nor my city from its shelter.  I will die with my shield before me, facing the enemy.”

“I think that’s as good of honor and sacrifice as a person can make,” Boren said.

Fire Captain Ricke Whiteside then said a prayer for all emergency services personnel asking for their protection, wisdom to treat those injured and strength to save lives. He prayed for them to return to loved ones unharmed, if they were harmed for their wounds to heal and if they perished to find a place in God’s Kingdom.